The bill amends the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act to clarify the liability of local governments regarding roadway maintenance and reconstruction. It introduces a new section, W.S. 1-39-125, which establishes that local governments can be held liable for damages resulting from their failure to reconstruct or maintain various types of roadways and related infrastructure, provided that certain conditions are met. These conditions include the claimant demonstrating that the local government was notified in writing of the need for maintenance or reconstruction and that the government failed to take reasonable steps to address the issue within a reasonable timeframe.

Additionally, the bill makes several conforming amendments to existing statutes, including the insertion of the new section into various references throughout the law. It specifies that the immunity from liability for governmental entities does not apply in cases of roadway maintenance and reconstruction, thereby allowing for claims against local governments under these circumstances. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to all claims arising from transactions or occurrences on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 1-23-107, 1-39-104, 1-39-118, 1-39-120, 18-2-111, 18-3-513